2024 Republican Candidates Leverage Current Positions Amid Campaigns: DeSantis Evacuates Floridians from Israel, Scott Proposes Iran, Anti-Semitism Legislation

DeSantis's high-profile fundraising efforts and strategic resource use helps keep campaign afloat despite spending difficulties, while Scott focuses on social issues in desperate bid to regain traction.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's fundraising efforts are under scrutiny as he outpaced his non-Trump contenders by raising $15 million in the third quarter. Despite this, nearly all of the funds raised between July and September were spent, leaving him with a current cash-on-hand amount of $5 million.
DeSantis's campaign, in a strategic move to counter financial challenges, has been supported by a DeSantis-aligned super PAC, 'Never Back Down', which had close to $97 million cash-on-hand at the end of June. The super PAC took on the expense of private plane travel for DeSantis, easing financial pressure on the campaign.
In response to the deadly terrorist attack in Israel, DeSantis's administration chartered evacuation flights to assist Florida residents in leaving the conflict-ridden country. This action has become a significant part of his campaign messaging and is often used as an attack on the Biden administration's handling of the situation.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, also a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, has used his position to focus on social issues. Lately, he has tackled race and racism publicly, and co-sponsored legislation that freezes Iranian funds globally in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Scott introduced a bill titled 'The Stop Anti-Semitism on College Campuses Act' in response to pro-Palestinian protests at U.S. colleges and universities. The bill proposes blocking federal Pell grants from going to institutions that 'peddle anti-Semitism' or permit events promoting violent anti-Semitism.